Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs MG Astor (2026)
The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the most power (158 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
- Pick the MG Astor if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.00 Lakh), the biggest boot (488 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | MG Astor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹10.77 Lakh – ₹19.70 Lakh | ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹17.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L K15C mild hybrid Petrol / 1.5L TNGA Strong Hybrid | 1.5L petrol / 1.3L turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 115 bhp | 138 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Strong Hybrid, CNG | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, e-CVT | Manual, CVT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 21.11–27.97 kmpl (strong hybrid), 26.6 km/kg (CNG) | 13.2-14.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 373 L | 488 L |
Kia Seltos in short
The second-generation Seltos arrived in July 2026 as Kia India's most consequential launch of the year: bolder styling, dual 12.3-inch displays, up to Level 2+ ADAS with a built-in dashcam on the new GTX(O)/X-Line(O) trims, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating whose 31.70/32 adult score is the highest yet for an ICE car. The three familiar engines carry over — 115bhp petrol, 158bhp turbo-petrol, 116bhp diesel — across a restructured 12-trim walk. It renews its rivalry with the Hyundai Creta, and now also the Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton.
Full Seltos prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in short
The Grand Vitara is Maruti's Nexa flagship midsize SUV, co-developed with Toyota (which sells it as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder). Its headline act is the 1.5L strong-hybrid powertrain claiming 27.97 kmpl, unique in the segment alongside its Toyota twin, and it also offers mild-hybrid petrol, CNG and an AllGrip AWD manual. It takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and VW Taigun.
Full Grand Vitara prices & variants →MG Astor in short
The MG Astor is the petrol sibling of the ZS EV and takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara in the fiercely contested midsize SUV space. It stands out with Level 2 ADAS, a talking AI assistant on the dashboard and a plush red-leather cabin option. Sharp pricing keeps it relevant against newer rivals.
Full Astor prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Grand Vitara vs Astor — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the most power (158 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Pick the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Pick the MG Astor if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.00 Lakh), the biggest boot (488 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Grand Vitara, Astor?
The MG Astor starts lowest at ₹10.00 Lakh, against ₹10.77 Lakh for the Grand Vitara and ₹11.00 Lakh for the Seltos (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Seltos: 5 stars; Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: not yet NCAP-tested; MG Astor: not yet NCAP-tested.